Diego Martínez: “We must highlight what Granada is doing”

Elche analysis. “It is a team that has started the championship very well, difficult and competitive, with different records. Not only as a local, but in all matches. They have clear and recognizable signs of identity. It will be complicated, but it is also true that this is the First Division. That competition will always be there. We want to keep improving our version, keep growing as a team and match them in energy and intensity. Being right near the goal, not making too many mistakes and being true to ourselves ”.

Almirón, coach of Elche, has praised Granada. “Respect is reciprocal. I like to follow all the leagues. Soccer is universal, it has many nuances. You can learn from all teams. My first official match as Granada coach was at Martínez Valero. We are similar teams, we know each other, similar in structure and history. They just promoted, we the year before. We know how difficult it is to get there and also the strength that gives you to start the championship well. The two teams respect each other and we feel that admiration ”. Defensive improvement. “What we are dealing with is scoring one more goal than the other. If the other day, with Huesca, instead of sticking out he goes inside and we win, perfect. I agree that our chances of winning go through fitting less. Or, above all, not granting easy options to the rival. All the teams are talented, also in Elche with the goals they have scored, with great merit, but really the important thing is to score and that the defensive records improve, because that is one of our characteristics. The error is penalized dearly in First. Each game is a story. We also have positive readings from the last two games. There are times when you win by doing less and others where to do it, you need to push the skateboard much more. There is a puddle. Now you have to see the persistence and concentration of the team. That will mark where we will be ”.

Part of injured. “Víctor Díaz's recovery is going to be prolonged. Regarding Ramón Azeez, we hope that he will be on the call. Montoro and Fede Vico still have it left ”.

Need for transfers. “All teams have to be open to improve and grow in the winter market. I've said it every year. Within our team idea, our identity. Regarding the positions, it is something more internal that we have spoken with Fran (Sánchez, sports director) and with Antonio (Monterrubio, general director). However, I think it is clear that there is a position in which it is difficult to find two players in that position with so many games during the week and managing three competitions. In this rare season because of it and the Covid, it is a necessity, but not for Granada, but for all teams ”.

The quarantine and that match in Anoeta. “I cannot say to what degree that quarantine affected. It was a stick in the wheel that has not suffered any team. We want to turn the page. We can win or lose, but we are always up front and we are competitive. From there, as happened in its day, there are good or bad moments, in which you have to believe, row harder and win again. Everything we are experiencing, with 15 points in the League, round of 32 of the Europa League … You see the trajectory of other First teams with more substance and you have to highlight what Granada is doing, wanting to win, as it is normal”.

Rotations as a necessity?. “If by doing that, I would have won the other games, I would have. The other day there were players who did not act because they could not. Others took to the field and deserved to be. Managing this situation that is new for everyone is not easy. We arrived from Thessaloniki and I, who did not play, was exhausted. There are no guarantees in terms of pure results. There are teams without three competitions that have a hard time winning. That said, the fact of leaning on motivation, understanding the year so demanding, will surely help us to be more competitive. To add everything we can and put everything we can in our bag ”.

Players available for Elche. “Sometimes I don't even know who will be available. I cannot guarantee it. Surely those who did not play, but let's see. I don't know if Quini will be starting, you have to see everything. Soon there will be a Copa del Rey tie, with artificial grass. All of this is in my head. I hope that Quini is one more. We are in a process of reincorporation. It has been almost a year without playing ”.